A West Virginia mother is facing serious child neglect charges after her 2-year-old daughter was found wandering alone in the middle of a busy intersection — but what authorities uncovered when they traced the child back to her home left even seasoned investigators alarmed.
Shannon Leigh Blacka, 31, of Terra Alta, West Virginia, surrendered to law enforcement Monday and was charged with one count of gross neglect of a child creating substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.
The Incident
Around 2:30 p.m., West Virginia State Police troopers responded to a 911 call reporting an unattended toddler standing in the intersection of East State Avenue and North Main Street in Terra Alta — described by authorities as the busiest intersection in the city. A good Samaritan had already pulled the child from the roadway and remained with her until law enforcement arrived.
It took police approximately 27 minutes to trace the toddler back to a residence on East Avenue, roughly 100 yards from the intersection. During that entire time, no one from the home came looking for the child.
What Police Found Inside
Troopers, accompanied by West Virginia Child Protective Services personnel, visited the home where Blacka was living with three other children. Investigators immediately deemed the conditions “unsuitable for children.”
Among the disturbing findings:
- Live roaches were crawling throughout the home
- Live chickens were being kept inside one of the children’s cribs
- A bucket containing human feces was found within reach of all children
The situation grew more troubling as officers watched. The 2-year-old retrieved a cigarette from her mother’s purse and held it in her hand. An 8-month-old infant was observed with a rash covering her thighs and back, along with scratches on her forehead. Officers also witnessed a 4-year-old punch the toddler hard in the face — with Blacka showing no reaction whatsoever.
Current Status
Blacka was booked into Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $25,000 bond. She is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on July 14. The children’s current placement has not been disclosed by authorities.
